Shrewsbury family evicted from home following drug offences
A family has been evicted from their Shrewsbury home after police discovered cannabis plants being cultivated in the attic.
The move follows joint working between Severnside Housing and West Mercia Police after officers carried out a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at the home in Claverley Crescent, Sundorne.
Severnside obtained a court order to force Anthony William Mansell, aged 45 and his family to leave the rented home. They moved out yesterday.
Mansell appeared before Shrewsbury Crown Court last month when he received a one-year prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to carryout 250 hours unpaid community work. He admitted producing and possessing cannabis on May 26 last year.
Judge Robin Onions told him Severnside was perfectly within its rights to apply for an eviction order.
Sergeant Julie Shephard, who obtained the police search warrant, said the attic at Mansell's home was sectioned off into several parts. Officers discovered cannabis plants under cultivation in one of the compartments.
Twelve mature plants were found hidden behind a chimney breast and there was evidence of a nursery where cuttings were being grown.
Sergeant Shephard said: "Since the arrest, the police have worked closely with Severnside Housing and supported its application for a court order.
"This case reflects the effective and strong partnership between ourselves and housing associations, highlighting the potential consequences of criminal behaviour.
"Tenants involved in the illegal use or supply of drugs and associated anti-social behaviour, will not be tolerated and face the ultimate sanction of losing their home.
"They are harming their local neighbourhoods through criminal or anti-social behaviour and, as in the Claverley Crescent case, the police will continue to work with Severnside Housing to ensure the vast majority of law-abiding residents do not have their lives and communities blighted."
Nicola Robinson, Neighbourhood Manager at Severnside Housing, said: "Severnside does not tolerate criminal activity in our homes and has a zero-tolerance approach to drug misuse. We are committed to stamping out crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities and work closely with the police, and other partners, to take a stand against it.
"There are a number of powers and options available to housing associations which we will use in different situations. Whilst eviction is the highest sanction, we will apply to the courts for eviction orders if necessary.
"With a shortage of affordable homes in the local area, it is right that housing providers stamp out this kind of behaviour, and take action against those who breach the conditions of their tenancy."
Anyone concerned about criminal or anti-social activity near their homes should contact Shrewsbury police station in confidence on the 101 non-emergency number. Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers independent charity on 0800 555 111.
